NCAAB Top 25 Preview

2010-11 College Hoops Preview: No. 24 Wisconsin
By: StatFox

#24 WISCONSIN BADGERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 73% (24-9)
ATS Record: 55% (17-14)
Over (Total): 40% (12-18)
Points Scored: 67.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 56.9 PPG
Scoring Margin: 10.2 PPG

BACKCOURT
Savvy Jordan Taylor is back to man the point for one of the nation's most efficient offenses. Taylor led the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.03-to-1) and was a big part of why Wisconsin committed the fewest turnovers in the nation last season (8.8 per game). Swingmen Tim Jarmusz, Ryan Evans and Rob Wilson will battle to try and fill the void left by departed sharpshooters Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon. The wild card in this scenario could be incoming freshman Ben Brust, a three-point shooting threat who averaged 27.5 PPG at his prep school last season.

FRONTCOURT
Jon Leuer will be the linchpin of the Wisconsin attack. The 6-10 senior is Wisconsin's top returning scorer (15.4 PPG) and rebounder (5.8 RPG). A 52% shooter who made 39% of his three-point shots last season, Leuer is arguably the Big Ten's most versatile big man. Leuer will get help up front from returning starter Keaton Nankivil (8.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG). If swingman Tim Jarmusz nabs the starting small forward spot, he could provide valuable experience to go with his shooting skills. Sophomore Jared Berggren is poised to bounce back from a shoulder injury.

OUTLOOK
When Two numbers jump off the page when you look at Wisconsin's success last year. While they lead the country in fewest turnovers with 8.8 per game, the Badgers also were number one in the Big Ten in scoring defense, holding conference foes to 56.9 PPG. They protect the ball on offense, and pressure the ball on defense. That's the mark of a well-coached basketball team. No wonder that since Bo Ryan took over this program 10 seasons ago the Badgers have the best record in conference play (107-43). Wisconsin will need to figure out how best to replace the scoring of Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon, but a healthy Jon Leuer and a crafty Jordan Taylor should be able to figure it out. Wisconsin travels to East Lansing on January 11 to take on Final Four contender Michigan State. It will be the midway point of the season, and should serve as the perfect barometer for Coach Ryan to see what kind of team he has this season.

When playing as a favorite last year, Wisconsin was 12-12 ATS. Against non-conference competition they were also .500 ATS (6-6). Keep an eye out for where the Badgers play. They were 16-1 SU in home games last season and are consistently one of the toughest home teams in the country, posting a 10-5 ATS record at Kohl Center last season.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 60-to-1

2010-11 College Hoops Preview: No. 23 Va. Tech
By: StatFox

#23 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 74% (25-9)
ATS Record: 52% (14-13-1)
Over (Total): 58% (14-10-1)
Points Scored: 72.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.1 PPG
Scoring Margin: 7.6 PPG

BACKCOURT
Experience and firepower return this season in Blacksburg with leading scorer Malcolm Delaney (20.2 PPG) manning the backcourt alongside Dorenzo Hudson (15.2 PPG). Delaney led the ACC in scoring last season, and also tallied 4.5 APG. When he decided to forego the NBA Draft to return for his senior season, Hokie Nation rejoiced. Hudson may have been the most improved player on the team last season, boosting his scoring average nearly 11 PPG from his sophomore year. Erick Green will back up Delaney at the point, and looks to improve on his 29.3 FG%.

FRONTCOURT
Senior Jeff Allen is the ACC's active career leader in rebounds (781), steals (191) and blocked shots (189). Allen tallied 12.0 PPG to go with 7.4 RPG. Despite those impressive numbers, Allen's scoring and rebounding averages represented a dropoff from his sophomore year. Head Coach Seth Greenberg will be looking for more consistency from his senior big man. The same can be said for junior Victor Davila, who will look to improve on his 5.3 PPG average. Senior Terrell Bell (6.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG) will continue to do the dirty work in the paint. At 28.3 MPG, Bell led all Hokies forwards in minutes played. Sophomore Allan Chaney, who Greenberg says will be an NBA first-round draft pick, sat out last year after transferring from Florida. He will likely have to sit out this season too because of a viral inflammation of his heart. J.T. Thompson will miss the season after having knee surgery in September and talented 6-foot-9 sophomore Cadarian Raines is wearing a protective boot and it is unknown when he will return.

OUTLOOK
Despite the deleted frontcourt, the good news in Blacksburg is Seth Greenberg's '09-10 squad tied a school record with 25 wins, and featured the conference's leading scorer in Malcolm Delaney. The bad news is their season ended with a third-round loss in that "other" postseason tournament, the NIT. Virginia Tech made history in a bad way, becoming the first ACC team in the at-large era with at least 10 wins in regular season conference play to be excluded from the NCAA Tournament. Boasting the nation's 339th toughest schedule (with wins over Longwood, Brown, Campbell and UMBC) did not help the Hokies' tournament resume last season. Adding Elite 8 participant Kansas State, along with Purdue and Mississippi State to the schedule this year should solve that problem. With all five starters, and its top 11 scorers returning, Tech's senior-laden team is poised to make the big dance.

The Hokies went 17-2 at home last season, yet were only 6-7-1 at home ATS. When taking the court as a favorite, they were 8-9-1 ATS. When playing as underdogs on the road, Tech was 5-3 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

2010-11 College Hoops Preview: No. 22 Temple
By: StatFox

#22 TEMPLE OWLS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 83% (29-6)
ATS Record: 63% (22-13)
Over (Total): 41% (13-19)
Points Scored: 64.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 56.8 PPG
Scoring Margin: 8.1 PPG

BACKCOURT
You can't talk Philly basketball without talking great guard play, and once again Temple has a very solid one in junior Juan Fernandez from Argentina. Fernandez is Temple's top returning scorer (12.6 PPG) and assist man (3.6 APG). While he can create his own shot, opponents would be wise to defend him beyond the arc first, where Fernandez hit a blistering 45.3% of his three point attempts, which was higher than his overall 42.7 FG %. With the departure of last year's leading scorer, Ryan Brooks, look for junior Ramone Moore to work his way into the starting lineup. Moore (7.6 PPG) was the Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year last season. Fernandez and Moore are both 6-foot-4, and should create matchup problems for opposing teams on a consistent basis. Sophomore T.J. DiLeo looks to work himself into the rotation, while incoming freshman Aaron Brown from St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey might be the X factor.

FRONTCOURT
You have to go back nearly 40 years to find the last Temple player to average a double-double in points and rebounds (Ollie Johnson in '70-71). Last season Lavoy Allen matched that feat. Allen pulled down 10.7 RPG to go with 11.5 PPG. According to Fran Dunphy, Allen is one of the smartest defenders he has ever coached. Between Allen and 6-foot-11 junior Micheal Eric, the Owls can effectively seal off the the paint against opposing big men. Additional depth in the frontcourt will come from junior Scootie Randall, and 6-foot-9 senior Craig Williams, who has sneaky range from beyond the arc (29 made three-pointers, 32.6 three pt FG%).

OUTLOOK
Coach Fran Dunphy's squad is deep, experienced, and well-positioned to notch its fourth straight Atlantic 10 title and the automatic NCAA bid that comes with it. Some things in Philadelphia never change, fans of the pro teams will (occasionally) boo, cheesesteaks will be plentiful, and Temple will always get in your face and play suffocating defense. Last year they led the A-10 in scoring defense (56.8 PPG) and held 10 of its opponents to less than 50 points. That defensive effort starts with big, experienced guards on the wings in Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore, and ends with Lavoy Allen, an all A-10 first team pick last season who has also made the conference's All-Defensive Team twice. As usual, Temple's non-conference schedule is a bear, with games at defending national champion Duke, California, Maryland, Villanova and a home contest versus Georgetown. The hope is always that the tougher schedule will prepare the team for a postseason run. That hope is especially prevalent for Temple. No team likes to be "one and done" in the big dance. Temple has been one and done in the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three years. That's one Philly tradition Fran Dunphy can do without.

When playing as a favorite, Temple was 18-11 ATS, but 3-3 ATS in neutral site games. Against their tough non-conference schedule last season they were 12-4 SU and 9-7 ATS. Fran Dunphy's teams are 1-12 for his career in NCAA Tournament play. Temple has lost its three tournament games under Dunphy by an average of 11 PPG.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 100-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 21 Georgetown
By: StatFox

#21 GEORGETOWN HOYAS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 68% (23-11)
ATS Record: 57% (17-13)
Over (Total): 53% (16-14)
Points Scored: 73.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.1 PPG
Scoring Margin: 7.4 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Hoyas will boast one of the most experienced and deepest guard rotations in the country. Leading scorer Austin Freeman (16.5 PPG) is back with a clean bill of health after being diagnosed with diabetes in late February. Freeman led Georgetown in 3-point FG Pct. (44.4%) and was second on the team in FG Pct. (52.5%). Senior Chris Wright (15.2 PPG, 4.1 APG) returns to man the point for John Thompson III. Wright will be complemented by junior Jason Clark (10.5 PPG). Clark provided a strong defensive presence as a defender and rebounder (3.9 RPG). He also buried three-pointers to the tune of 42.4%. With Freeman, Clark and Wright all averaging between 33 and 35 MPG last season, Thompson may look to sophomore Vee Sanford, or freshman Markel Starks to lighten the load on his starters.

FRONTCOURT
Replacing All-Big East center Greg Monroe will be no easy task. The solution will start with Julian Vaughn (7.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 57.6 FG%). Vaughn started all 34 games for the Hoyas last season and is the team's most experienced player in the frontcourt. Hollis Thompson and Jerrelle Benimon will battle it out for a starting spot alongside Vaughn. Coach Thompson's crop of incoming freshmen includes center Moses Abraham and versatile forward Nate Lubick. Abraham and Lubick boast a physical style of play. Translation: they should fit in perfectly playing Big East style basketball.

OUTLOOK
Now is not the time to let your guard down against Georgetown. Despite the early departure of Greg Monroe to the NBA, this is still a Hoya team that boasts one of the country's best shooters in Austin Freeman, as well as one of the game's top point guards in Chris Wright, who will be manning the point for the third straight season. Throw in Jason Clark and you have a three-guard starting rotation that can hit the boards (10.4 RPG combined) score (42.2 PPG combined) and create matchup problems all over the court. Despite going 23-11 and making the Big East Tournament finals, depth was a problem for the Hoyas last season as the starting five registered heavy minutes. With a deep incoming class of freshmen set to reinforce the frontcourt and the backcourt, this year's team should have a unique combination of depth and experience. This is also a team that cannot wait until March, and the opportunity to wash away the taste of an embarrassing first-round NCAA Tournament loss to #14 seed Ohio.

Georgetown was 6-7 at home ATS and 5-5 on the road ATS, but in neutral-site games they were 6-1 ATS. Despite their reputation for being aggressive defensively, the Hoyas were only 10th in the Big East in rebounding margin (+2.3 PG) while giving up 66.1 PPG, good enough for 6th-best in the conference.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 50-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 20 Tennessee
By: StatFox

#20 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 76% (28-9)
ATS Record: 46% (15-18-1)
Over (Total): 33% (10-20)
Points Scored: 73.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.2 PPG
Scoring Margin: 8.3 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Tennessee attack will start in the backcourt with the combination of senior point guard and vocal leader Melvin Goins and junior Scotty Hopson. Goins is not going to beat you with his shot (38.7 FG%) but he is a tenacious defender. Hopson is the only returning player who started at least 12 games last year. He was second in scoring (12.2 PPG), led the team in three-pointers made (52) and at 6-foot-7, has an explosive first step. Despite those numbers, Hopson will need to protect the basketball better (78 turnovers, 46 assists in 37 games). Smooth-shooting Cameron Tatum (7.4 PPG, 38.9% from 3-point land) and freshman Jordan McRae should provide ample support scoring from the wings. Meanwhile former walk-ons Skylar McBee and Josh Bone should also provide depth at shooting guard.

FRONTCOURT
There is excitement in Knoxville over the addition of incoming freshman Tobias Harris, a McDonald's All-American who some believe may be the best power forward nationally in the 2010 class. Harris has the ability to bang inside, pass over defenses, and step out on the wing to score from long range. John Fields, a transfer from UNC-Wilmington and Jeronne Maymon, a transfer from Marquette, will each be eligible to play this season. The 6-foot-9 Fields set a school record at UNC-Wilmington with 59 blocked shots last season. Senior center Brian Williams was a major contributor during Tennessee's run to the Elite Eight (7.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG during the NCAA Tournament). He will need to pick up even more of the load on the boards this year. Steven Pearl, son of the head coach, will get an opportunity to provide energy and defense off the bench.

OUTLOOK
There were so many components to the Vols 2009-10 season: the suspension of four key players in January, followed by home victories over No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky, and then the drive to the Elite Eight which culminated in a devastating one-point loss to Michigan State. Now Tennessee begins the 2010 season with another cloud hanging over the program. On Sept. 10, the school held a news conference, where head coach Bruce Pearl tearfully admitted that he lied to NCAA investigators regarding a barbecue that took place at his home where recruits and parents were invited (hosting such an event is a violation of NCAA rules). The University publicly castigated him by docking his pay, and an NCAA investigation continues. What impact this will have on Tennessee's team on the court, no one can say at this point. But the potential for distraction is certainly there. The Volunteers are the only team in the SEC to make the NCAA Tournament in each of the past five years. Three of those seasons they reached the Sweet 16. Last year they made it to the Elite Eight. Despite losing three key seniors from last year’s team (Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince and Bobby Maze) the Vols are still poised to make some noise in the SEC this season. Circle February 8 on the calendar. The Vols will visit Lexington to take on Kentucky. We should know much more about Bruce Pearl's team and its state of mind by then.

As a favorite the Vols were 10-13-1 ATS last year. After a SU loss they were 1-5-1 ATS. Against SEC conference opponents, Tennessee was 7-12 ATS. Tennessee was 15-1 SU at home, but just 6-7 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 50-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 19 Memphis
By: StatFox

#19 MEMPHIS TIGERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 71% (24-10)
ATS Record: 34% (10-19)
Over (Total): 59% (16-11)
Points Scored: 75.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.7 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.7 PPG

BACKCOURT
Wesley Witherspoon is the lone returning starter in the backcourt for head coach Josh Pastner's young squad. The 6-foot-9 junior averaged 12.5 PPG and 4.6 RPG and will be relied on heavily to be the leader in a rotation that will be long on youth and short on experience. The point guard battle will be between incoming freshman and McDonald's All-American Joe Jackson (3,451 points scored in high school), transfer Charles Carmouche (12.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG last year at New Orleans) and freshman Chris Crawford, a slick passing 6-foot-4 guard with NBA three-point range. The versatile Jelan Kendrick, another McDonald's All-American, will get an opportunity to crack the rotation. Kendrick has the ability to play both guard positions.

FRONTCOURT
Memphis will have only one senior on the team this year, and he will be in the starting lineup. Six-foot-9 Will Coleman (7.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 63.9 FG%) figures to have a major impact on the Tigers success on the interior. Coleman should get plenty of help from 6-foot-11 Angel Garcia (6.8 PPG, 1.2 RPG in 12 games) who was limited last year following an ACL tear that he suffered in September. Garcia is expected to be back to full health this season. Incoming freshman and local Memphis product Tarik Black along with Hippolyte Tsafack, a freshman from Cameroon, will both get an opportunity to contribute a physical presence on a team that is in search of a bruiser.

OUTLOOK
If this year's Memphis team were named after an 80's sitcom, it would be called Growing Pains. With seven freshmen and one transfer, Josh Pastner will have as many new faces on this squad as he has returning faces. While Wesley Witherspoon is the top returning scorer, he is also the only double-figure scorer as well as the only player with NCAA Tournament experience. Joe Jackson will be stepping out of high school and into a Tigers uniform with heavy expectations on his shoulders. The natural scorer will need to become a distributor that can keep a plethora of offensive weapons happy. Prominent among those players, fellow freshmen guards Jelan Kendrick and Chris Crawford. The challenge for Pastner is to keep this young team maturing, learning and winning all at the same time. That may be easier said than done considering that Memphis has a brutal non-conference schedule (road games at Kansas and Tennessee, and home contests against Georgetown and Miami).

Memphis led C-USA in three-point FG% (.388). While the Tigers were 17-3 SU in home games, they were only 5-10 ATS at home. Meanwhile, on the road they were 4-7 ATS. When Memphis took the court as a favorite, they were 7-17 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 18 Butler
By: StatFox

#18 BUTLER BULLDOGS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 87% (33-5)
ATS Record: 47% (18-20)
Over (Total): 46% (16-19-1)
Points Scored: 68.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 59.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.3 PPG

BACKCOURT
Wesley Witherspoon is the lone returning starter in the backcourt for head coach Josh Pastner's young squad. The 6-foot-9 junior averaged 12.5 PPG and 4.6 RPG and will be relied on heavily to be the leader in a rotation that will be long on youth and short on experience. The point guard battle will be between incoming freshman and McDonald's All-American Joe Jackson (3,451 points scored in high school), transfer Charles Carmouche (12.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG last year at New Orleans) and freshman Chris Crawford, a slick passing 6-foot-4 guard with NBA three-point range. The versatile Jelan Kendrick, another McDonald's All-American, will get an opportunity to crack the rotation. Kendrick has the ability to play both guard positions.

FRONTCOURT
Memphis will have only one senior on the team this year, and he will be in the starting lineup. Six-foot-9 Will Coleman (7.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 63.9 FG%) figures to have a major impact on the Tigers success on the interior. Coleman should get plenty of help from 6-foot-11 Angel Garcia (6.8 PPG, 1.2 RPG in 12 games) who was limited last year following an ACL tear that he suffered in September. Garcia is expected to be back to full health this season. Incoming freshman and local Memphis product Tarik Black along with Hippolyte Tsafack, a freshman from Cameroon, will both get an opportunity to contribute a physical presence on a team that is in search of a bruiser.

OUTLOOK
A loud clang, a long crescendo of ‘Awwwwwww’, and that is how the Butler Bulldogs season, as well as the college basketball season ended last spring. Gordon Hayward’s famous miss was loud and definitive, and though it came in defeat, that missed shot was not unlike the impact that Butler and head coach Brad Stevens made on the college basketball world: loud and definitive. In beating Syracuse, Kansas State, then Michigan State only to lose to Duke in the championship game by inches, Butler opened up many eyes that will never underestimate them again with phrases like mid-major, Cinderella and underdog. What does Brad Stevens do for an encore? Turning to his three returning starters Matt Howard, Shelvin Mack and Ronald Nored is a good start. Throw in two senior guards with Final Four experience to bring off the bench, and Butler will yield ground to no one this season in the poise department. The Bulldogs will look to continue to play the tenacious defense that ranked them first in the Horizon League (59.4 PPG). That will be key on December 4 when Duke and Butler will stage a championship game rematch at the IZOD Center, where the defending national champions hope that the difference between the two squads will be a lot more than just inches.

As a favorite, Butler was 30-0 SU, but just 13-17 ATS. Despite going undefeated in Horizon league play (20-0 SU) the Bulldogs were only 8-12 ATS in conference play. In its remarkable NCAA Tournament run, Butler was 5-1 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 40-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 17 Washington
By: StatFox

#17 WASHINGTON HUSKIES

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 72% (26-10)
ATS Record: 46% (16-19)
Over (Total): 52% (16-15)
Points Scored: 79.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 70.0 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.2 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Huskies backcourt will be led by a little man with a legendary basketball name and a dynamic game. Five-foot-8 Junior Isaiah Thomas (16.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.2 APG) will be relied upon to both score and distribute in head coach Lorenzo Romar’s up-tempo attack. Thomas will get a helping hand from senior Venoy Overton (8.5 PPG, 3.1 APG) a tenacious defender who provides instant offense, and sophomore Abdul Gaddy. Though he started 29 games, Gaddy struggled to generate offense as a freshman (3.9 PPG, 2.3 APG). No one is expecting Gaddy’s woes to carry over into his sophomore year. Junior Scott Suggs (4.7 PPG, 37.4 three-point FG%) and incoming freshman Terrence Ross will be available to provide some offensive punch. Redshirt freshman C.J. Wilcox has the ability to bolster the Huskies perimeter game with his prowess from beyond the arc.

FRONTCOURT
The Huskies attack up front will center around two returning starters, senior Matthew Bryan-Amaning (8.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG) and senior Justin Holiday (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG). Bryan-Amaning elevated his game at tournament time (10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG in NCAA Tournament) and is becoming one of the league’s top big men. Junior Darnell Gant and sophomore wide body Tyreese Breshers will also bring experience to the fold. Then there is JUCO transfer Aziz N’Diaye, a 7-footer from Senegal. While N’Diaye’s offensive arsenal is a work in progress, his ability to block shots and run the floor is intriguing.

OUTLOOK
Once again, Lorenzo Romar will arguably have the most talented, experienced and versatile team in the Pac-10. The frontcourt is loaded with size, emerging stars and a number of seniors with a lot of winning under their belt. Romar will still need one of his forwards to become a consistent double-digit scoring threat. Smart money is on Matthew Bryan-Amaning to fill that role. Isaiah Thomas has already scored 1,134 points in just two years in Seattle, and seems to be continuing the tradition of athletic guard play started by former Huskies Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson. The wild card will be puzzling sophomore Abdul Gaddy (41.7 FG%, 15.0 three-point FG%). As Gaddy develops, so to will the offensive prowess of a team that led the conference in scoring (79.2 PPG) as well as rebound margin (3.6). He could be the difference between a good Washington squad, and a team that makes noise deep into March.

In 19 home games Washington was 17-2 SU, but only 8-10 ATS. As a favorite, the Huskies were 23-4 SU but just 14-13 ATS. Washington is the only Pac-10 team to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of the past two seasons.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 17 Washington
By: StatFox

#17 WASHINGTON HUSKIES

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 72% (26-10)
ATS Record: 46% (16-19)
Over (Total): 52% (16-15)
Points Scored: 79.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 70.0 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.2 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Huskies backcourt will be led by a little man with a legendary basketball name and a dynamic game. Five-foot-8 Junior Isaiah Thomas (16.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.2 APG) will be relied upon to both score and distribute in head coach Lorenzo Romar’s up-tempo attack. Thomas will get a helping hand from senior Venoy Overton (8.5 PPG, 3.1 APG) a tenacious defender who provides instant offense, and sophomore Abdul Gaddy. Though he started 29 games, Gaddy struggled to generate offense as a freshman (3.9 PPG, 2.3 APG). No one is expecting Gaddy’s woes to carry over into his sophomore year. Junior Scott Suggs (4.7 PPG, 37.4 three-point FG%) and incoming freshman Terrence Ross will be available to provide some offensive punch. Redshirt freshman C.J. Wilcox has the ability to bolster the Huskies perimeter game with his prowess from beyond the arc.

FRONTCOURT
The Huskies attack up front will center around two returning starters, senior Matthew Bryan-Amaning (8.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG) and senior Justin Holiday (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG). Bryan-Amaning elevated his game at tournament time (10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG in NCAA Tournament) and is becoming one of the league’s top big men. Junior Darnell Gant and sophomore wide body Tyreese Breshers will also bring experience to the fold. Then there is JUCO transfer Aziz N’Diaye, a 7-footer from Senegal. While N’Diaye’s offensive arsenal is a work in progress, his ability to block shots and run the floor is intriguing.

OUTLOOK
Once again, Lorenzo Romar will arguably have the most talented, experienced and versatile team in the Pac-10. The frontcourt is loaded with size, emerging stars and a number of seniors with a lot of winning under their belt. Romar will still need one of his forwards to become a consistent double-digit scoring threat. Smart money is on Matthew Bryan-Amaning to fill that role. Isaiah Thomas has already scored 1,134 points in just two years in Seattle, and seems to be continuing the tradition of athletic guard play started by former Huskies Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson. The wild card will be puzzling sophomore Abdul Gaddy (41.7 FG%, 15.0 three-point FG%). As Gaddy develops, so to will the offensive prowess of a team that led the conference in scoring (79.2 PPG) as well as rebound margin (3.6). He could be the difference between a good Washington squad, and a team that makes noise deep into March.

In 19 home games Washington was 17-2 SU, but only 8-10 ATS. As a favorite, the Huskies were 23-4 SU but just 14-13 ATS. Washington is the only Pac-10 team to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of the past two seasons.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 16 Illinois
By: StatFox

#16 ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 58% (21-15)
ATS Record: 44% (14-8-2)
Over (Total): 63% (20-12)
Points Scored: 70.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.8 PPG
Scoring Margin: 4.0 PPG

BACKCOURT
After testing the NBA Draft waters, Demetri McCamey decided to return to the Illini for his senior season. That’s good news for head coach Bruce Weber, and bad news for the opponents. McCamey is the Illini’s top returning scorer and assist man (15.1 PPG, 7.1 APG, 34.1 three-point FG%). He will team in the backcourt with D.J. Richardson (10.5 PPG, 39.0 three-point FG%) who was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Sophomore Brandon Paul (7.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG) is a dazzling athlete, but must improve on his lackluster shooting numbers (33.3 FG%, 27.9 three-point FG%) to reach his full potential. Look for redshirt freshman Joseph Bertrand to back up McCamey at point guard.

FRONTCOURT
Illinois will showcase an impressive and experienced frontline in senior center Mike Tisdale (11.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG) and fellow senior forward Mike Davis (10.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG). At 7-foot-1, Tisdale has a deft shooting touch from the field as well as the line (58.5 FG%, 83.9 FT%). He even made five of the six three-pointers that he attempted. Davis is the closest Illinois has to a true banger in the paint. His 9.2 RPG makes him the conference’s top returning rebounder. Though he may not start, reserve forward Bill Cole (4.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG) will work his way prominently into the rotation purely based on hustle. The X factor up front will be incoming freshman Jereme Richmond, a McDonald’s All-American with an assortment of skills that could land him in coach Weber’s starting lineup.

OUTLOOK
There are a number of factors that could make Illinois a dangerous team this season. The Illini backcourt is big and athletic, with two double-figure scorers with a year of experience playing together. The frontcourt has an improving center in Tisdale (who has bulked up to 252 pounds) and a classic power forward in Davis. Both Tisdale and Davis each scored in double figures last season. Jereme Richmond could be the high-impact freshman sensation fans in Champaign have been waiting on. Then there is the redemption factor. Illinois went 21-15 last season, 10-8 in conference play, and had to settle for a trip to the NIT. With a ton of attention being accorded to fellow Big Ten rivals Michigan State, Purdue and Ohio State, one could easily see how Bruce Weber’s squad could get overlooked by the competition. That would not be wise. By December 5, Illinois will have played road games at Texas and Gonzaga, as well as a home contest against North Carolina. By then we could all know just how much fight will be in the Fighting Illini this season.

Illinois has lost 19 games at home over the past four years. While Illinois was 13-5 SU at home last season, they were only 5-11 at home ATS. Playing as a favorite, the Illini were 6-12-1 ATS. Illinois was 1-6 SU (1-5-1 ATS) in neutral-site games.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 15 Missouri
By: StatFox

#15 MISSOURI TIGERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 68% (23-11)
ATS Record: 54% (15-13)
Over (Total): 50% (13-13)
Points Scored: 77.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.2 PPG
Scoring Margin: 11.1 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Missouri attack will begin with the return of its top two scorers, 6-foot-6 junior Kim English (14.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG) and 6-foot-3 junior Marcus Denmon. English is an explosive scorer, but must improve on his 39.3 FG%, as well as cut down on his team high total of 71 turnovers. Denmon (10.4 PPG, 40.7 three-point FG%) hopes to crack the starting lineup full-time after coming off the bench last year in 30 of the 34 games the Tigers played. Sophomore Michael Dixon (7.5 PPG, 1.6 APG) is the front-runner to take over the point. Head coach Mike Anderson is also counting on key contributions from brothers Phil and Matt Pressey (sons of former NBA player Paul Pressey). Phil Pressey is considered one of the nation’s top freshman prospects at the point, while brother Matt was a junior college All-American.

FRONTCOURT
Coach Anderson will have a lot of pieces to work with up front this year. Some of them will be old faces, and some of them will be new. Junior Laurence Bowers is the top returning scorer and rebounder (10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG) among the forwards. He is joined by the lone senior on the team, Justin Safford (8.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG) who is looking to bounce back strong after a knee injury ended his season prematurely. The big excitement in Columbia centers around newcomer Ricardo Ratliffe (27.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 44% three-point FG at Central Florida Community College), a 6-foot-9 banger considered by many to be the nation’s top JUCO player last season. Ratliffe will be eligible at the start of the season, the same cannot be said for freshman Tony Mitchell, a high-profile recruit with NBA caliber athleticism. Mitchell is hoping to be eligible for action by the second half of the season. If he is not, Anderson will still have an impressive combination of depth and talent on his frontline.

OUTLOOK
Buoyed by the return of last season’s top three scorers, and an incoming recruiting class rated among the top-10 nationally, confidence is high in Columbia. Coach Mike Anderson once again is ready to unleash his “40 minutes of hell” pressing attack on the Big 12 this year, the same defense that forced 659 turnovers last year, tops in the nation. The addition of stud JUCO transfer Ricardo Ratliffe is already opening eyes in Columbia. Ratliffe’s game has the ability to open up scoring chances for fellow forwards Laurence Bowers and the energetic Justin Safford. Perimeter threats Kim English and Marcus Denmon can also benefit from the arrival of Ratliffe as space to operate on the perimeter becomes more plentiful. It remains to be seen how well these new parts (two JUCO transfers, plus four incoming freshmen) will coexist together in the vehicle that is Anderson’s pressing, scoring, turnover forcing machine. But if the Tigers’ deep talent pool clicks, they could be in the running for a road trip to Houston next April.

Why is it so vital for Missouri to force turnovers? The Tigers outscored their opponents by 11 PPG, and their turnovers created extra possessions, making up for the fact that opponents out- rebounded Mizzou by three boards per game. Missouri was 16-2 at home SU, but only 8-5 ATS. Against Big 12 opponents, the Tigers were 10-7 SU, but 9-8 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 40-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 14 Baylor
By: StatFox

#14 BAYLOR BEARS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 78% (28-8)
ATS Record: 62% (18-11)
Over (Total): 68% (19-9-1)
Points Scored: 77.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.6 PPG
Scoring Margin: 11.4 PPG

BACKCOURT
The return of LaceDarius Dunn in the starting backcourt for coach Scott Drew’s Baylor squad is a big reason why many expect the bears to occupy a spot in the top-10 for most of the season. Dunn (19.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 41.9% three-point FG) took a pass on the NBA Draft because he wanted a chance for this year’s team to exceed last year’s accomplishment of reaching the Elite Eight. Dunn will be joined in the backcourt by either sophomore A.J. Walton (3.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 45.9 three-point FG) or freshman Stargell Love. Sophomore Nolan Dennis and freshman Bakari Turner should also provide some backcourt depth.

FRONTCOURT
Normally replacing a big man who went on to become the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft would be cause for concern for a head coach, but Drew thinks he has an answer to the void left by Ekpe Udoh’s (13.9 PPG, 9.8 PPG, 3.7 BPG) early departure. Enter Perry Jones, a 6-foot-10 McDonald’s and Parade All-American who was ranked among the top-10 players in the 2010 recruiting class. So electric is the anticipation around Jones’ Waco arrival in 2010, that many insiders do not expect him to stick around in 2011, but declare for the NBA Draft instead. Jones is expected to join returning starter Anthony Jones (6.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG) on the starting frontline along with last year’s top reserve junior Quincy Acy (9.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG). Other players cracking the rotation up front should be 6-foot-9 sophomore Cory Jefferson and the big 7-foot sophomore from Croatia, Dragan Sekelja.

OUTLOOK
Not only did Baylor win its first NCAA Tournament game since 1950, the Bears won three games, en route to a spot in the South Regional final where they lost to eventual national champion Duke. If success breeds great expectations, Baylor Coach Scott Drew is up to the challenge. The return of LaceDarius Dunn for his senior year elevates spirits in Waco. Dunn finished second in the Big 12 in scoring last season, and only needs 451 points to become the school’s all-time scorer. Perry Jones is the most high-profile signee in the history of Baylor basketball, and will team with the athletic Quincy Acy and the experienced Anthony Jones to form one of the top frontlines in the conference. Just how deep this Baylor team is after the starting five will be a question mark. Nonetheless, with a first unit that could have at least two NBA lottery picks for 2011 on the team, pity not for Scott Drew. Last March, Baylor’s magical season ended on the hardwood floor of Reliant Stadium. One win shy of the Final Four. This year Drew and his squad would like nothing more than for this season to end in Reliant Stadium again, because that would mean that they made the Final Four, and were able to take that next step.

Baylor was 15-1 SU playing at home, but only 6-3 ATS. As a favorite the Bears were 16-3 SU and 12-7 ATS. Key stat to track throughout the season: rebounding. Baylor finished 2nd in the Big 12 just behind Kansas in rebounding margin (+6.4). If the Baylor big men can continue to produce dominant rebounding and shot-blocking advantages, then an extended run in the month of March could definitely be in the Bears future.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 25-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 13 Syracuse
By: StatFox

#13 SYRACUSE ORANGE

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 86% (30-5)
ATS Record: 68% (21-10)
Over (Total): 44% (12-15)
Points Scored: 80.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 14.5 PPG

BACKCOURT
The Syracuse backcourt attack will start with a man whose best work last season came off the bench. Scoop Jardine garnered several honors last year for National Sixth Man of the Year recognition. This year Jardine (9.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 39% three-point FG) will bring his energy to the starting lineup alongside sophomore Brandon Triche (8.1 PPG, 2.8 APG, 40% three-point FG). Triche was also recognized last year for making the Big East’s All-Freshman team. For additional scoring punch, Coach Jim Boeheim will look to sophomore swingman Mookie Jones (5.8 PPG, 44.6% three-point FG) and incoming freshman Dion Waiters to provide some offense on the wings. Waiters could earn backup minutes at the point. As for Jones, depending on his development, he has a chance to become the team’s top perimeter scoring threat.

FRONTCOURT
Boeheim will have to rebuild the frontline in the wake of the departures of center Arinze Onuaku and Big East Player of the Year Wesley Johnson (16.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG). That rebuilding job starts with 6-foot-9 bruiser Rick Jackson (9.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 59% FG). Jackson is the team’s top returning rebounder. Last season Kris Joseph was a super sub off the bench en route to earning Big East Sixth Man of the Year honors. This year Joseph (10.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG) looks to move his talents into the starting lineup, where he hopes to improve on his shooting numbers from beyond the arc (22% three-point FG). The big buzz in town is around some of the size the Orange have to work with this season. Incoming freshman Fabricio Melo (yes, another ‘Melo’ in Syracuse), a 7-footer from Brazil looks to take over things in the middle. Melo played only one year of basketball here in the states, yet still was good enough to be named a McDonald’s All-American. He will draw competition from another 7-footer, sophomore DaShonte Riley, who only saw action in 17 games last season. Two more freshmen, C.J. Fair and Baye Moussa Keita should combine with sophomore James Southerland to make an already deep (albeit young) frontline even deeper.

OUTLOOK
Most programs that lose a starting center, a conference player of the year, and a double-digit scoring guard (Andy Rautins) from a 30-win team usually refers to the following year as a “rebuilding” season. Fans of college basketball in upstate New York know better. Jim Boeheim doesn’t rebuild. He reloads. This year Syracuse will be in the hunt for a Big East title by incorporating a mix of proven bench players (Jardine and Joseph averaged 22 and 27 MPG respectively off the bench), experienced starters Brandon Triche and Rick Jackson (both players started all 35 games last year) and the addition of Fab Melo to man the middle of the paint. If Melo struggles in any way transitioning to the collegiate game (he has played just one year of basketball in the states), there is plenty of size behind him ready for a chance to contribute. The Orange were the best shooting team in the league last season (51.6 FG%). On the defensive end, they led the conference in steals and defending the three-pointer, proving once again that like a 2-button suit, the 2-3 zone never goes out of style. For an early gauge of where this year’s team will fit into the national discussion, circle December 7. That’s when Syracuse will take on powerful Michigan State at Madison Square Garden, giving college hoop fans a first-hand look at just how much reloading Boeheim has been doing this offseason.

As a favorite, Syracuse was 22-5 SU and 17-10 ATS. Playing as an underdog, the ‘Cuse was 3-0 SU and ATS. The Orange also had the same record in neutral-site game ATS (5-2) as they did SU in those neutral-site games (5-2). Finally, some things never change in the Big East: Syracuse ranked 11th in the conference in free-throw percentage (67.7%).

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 20-to-1

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 12 Gonzaga
By: StatFox

#12 GONZAGA BULLDOGS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 80% (27-7)
ATS Record: 57% (16-12-2)
Over (Total): 55% (16-13-1)
Points Scored: 76.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 67.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.5 PPG

BACKCOURT
The foundation that will key Gonzaga’s backcourt this year is actually a Gray area, as in Steven Gray. The 6-foot-5 senior guard is a defensive stalwart, and generally brings a little bit of everything to the table in terms of his skill set (13.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG). Between Gray and returning starter Demetri Goodson (6.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG) the backcourt tandem brings athleticism and experience to the table. Combined, Gray and Goodson started all but one game last year. Head coach Mark Few still has some questions about who will be his point guard this season. He is hoping that role will be filled by JUCO transfer Marquise Carter (17.2 PPG, 5.5 APG at Three Rivers (Mo.) Community College). There could also be minutes for sophomore Mike Hart, or redshirt freshman David Stockton, the son of Gonzaga legend and NBA Hall-of-Famer John Stockton.

FRONTCOURT
Emerging forward Elias Harris (14.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 54.7 FG%) will be the man opponents will game-plan against. The 6-foot-8 Harris displayed a versatile offensive game last season that featured strong back-to-the-basket moves to go with the occasional deadly jumper from beyond the arc (23-of-51, 45.1 three-point FG%). The sophomore Harris will form a prolific 1-2 punch on the frontline with 7-foot junior center Robert Sacre (10.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 52.5 FG%). Few is hoping that sophomore Kelly Olnyk (3.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG in 34 games) along with redshirt freshman Sam Dower will contribute when called upon. All things considered, this should be one of the deepest collections of big men the Zags have had in years..

OUTLOOK
Despite losing WCC Player of the Year honoree Matt Bouldin, Mark Few will still boast four returning starters and seven of his top eight scorers remaining on this year’s team. The X factor could be at point guard, where JUCO transfer Marquise Carter will try to keep Gonzaga’s chemistry intact. The simple way to do that is to keep feeding Elias Harris the basketball. Harris continues to emerge as a potential superstar among power forwards in the nation. Gonzaga led the WCC in FG Pct. (49.1%) which was also good enough for sixth-best in the nation. The Zags were also tops in the WCC in terms of rebounding margin (+4.5). Give Few credit for this much, the Bulldogs do not know the meaning of the word cupcake. Gonzaga’s early season schedule is brutal with road games at Kansas State and Baylor (both Elite Eight teams) plus Wake Forest and Notre Dame. The home schedule includes contests versus Oklahoma State, Xavier, and San Diego State (all NCAA Tournament teams) as well as a game against preseason top-20 pick Illinois. With a schedule like that, Few and the fan base should have a lot of answers about the ’10 squad by Christmas.

Gonzaga was 13-1 SU at home, but only 4-5-1 ATS. As a favorite, Gonzaga was 17-4 SU, but only 9-10-2 ATS. Against conference opponents, the Zags were 13-3 SU, but 8-7-1 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 40-to-1